Simon Cowell Page 6

‘The X-Factor’ returned to UK screens on ITV, Saturday night (August 29th), with a revamped judging panel which doesn't seem to have proved a hit with viewers. The talent show scored a record low rating for it’s series premiere, as well as fan backlash over a girl group who have already released records.

‘The X-Factor’ judges, Simon Cowell, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Cheryl Cole, Rita Ora, Nick Grimshaw and hosts Caroline Flack and Olly Murs.

According to The Mirror, the revamped show only brought in 7.11m viewers, a drop of nearly two million from last year's launch show. The numbers are the lowest ever launch ratings for the show, since 2012 when 8.62m tuned in.

Continue reading: An Already Seasoned Girlband And Record Low Ratings, 'The X-Factor' Is Back

Simon Cowell has addressed rumours that One Direction are permanently splitting up. The boy band, which is down to four members after the departure of Zayn Malik in March, devastated their fans earlier this week when they announced they plan to take a temporary break.

One Direction are taking a break next March.

Read More: One Direction Take To Twitter To Assure Fans Break Won't Be Permanent.

Continue reading: One Direction’s Planned 2016 Break Is “Healthy”, Simon Cowell Claims

Though they’ve spent most of the last week ressuring fans that their upcoming hiatus won’t be permanent, Simon Cowell has intimated that he won’t be putting any pressure on One Direction to reunite.

Ahead of the twelfth series of ‘The X Factor’ launching this weekend, 1D’s Syco record label boss Simon Cowell spoke to MailOnline on Wednesday night (August 26th) and admitted that he’d known for some time that the foursome would be taking an extended break after their “gruelling schedule” over the last few years.

One Direction performing in North America in August 2015

Continue reading: Simon Cowell Won't Be Putting Pressure On One Direction To Reunite

Rita Ora is fed up with female ‘X Factor’ wannabes flirting with Simon Cowell and is warning them that he is “off the market”.

Ora, who joined ‘The X Factor’ judging panel earlier this year, has spent the last week wading through the official auditions for the new series of the reality show that have been going on around the country. She hasn’t liked what she’s seen from some of the female contestants, however…

“I understand the power, it’s Simon with his T-shirt and jeans and all that, I get it. But there’s a limit you have to have, a bit of decorum you need to hold,” the 24 year old admitted.

Continue reading: Rita Ora Warns Female 'X Factor' Contestants Not To Flirt With Simon Cowell

‘X-Factor’ viewers have been granted even more power this year, as for the first time ever they’ll be the ones choosing which category each judge will mentor. Voting will open during the show’s first episode this Saturday on ITV and will take place on twitter.

The ‘X-Factor’ judges will have their categories picked for them thanks to a viewer vote.

Viewers will be able to vote by using the hashtag with the name of a judge and the category they want to see them mentor, for example #CherylBoys #CherylGirls #CherylGroups #SimonOvers. Voting closes at 12pm on Tuesday 1 September.

Continue reading: 'X-Factor' Viewers Will Get To Vote On Judges' Categories In New Twist

Zayn Malik is getting the next step in his career under way with the news that he’s signed a solo recording deal with the major label RCA, announcing in the process that he intends to make “#realmusic’.

On Wednesday (July 29th), Billboard revealed that the 22 year old ex-One Directioner has also signed up with management company Turn First, who also look after Iggy Azalea, and will be working with R&B producer Malay, somebody who has worked with the likes of John Legend and Frank Ocean.

Zayn Malik is going it alone with RCA

Continue reading: Zayn Malik Signs Solo Record Deal With RCA

‘X-Factor’ judge Simon Cowell has hinted that it might soon be time for One Direction to go on a hiatus, following the news that band member Louis Tomlinson is about to become a father for the first time. Speaking to The Sun newspaper the boyband’s mentor said the group now had enough hits under their belt to allow for some time off.

Simon Cowell has said One Direction could be taking a break soon.

Continue reading: Has Simon Cowell Hinted One Direction Could Be About To Take A Break Following Louis' Baby News?

New ‘X-Factor’ judge Nick Grimshaw may have gotten on wrong side of colleague Cheryl Fernandez-Versini already, when he called the singer by her former married name of Cheryl Cole. The slip up occurred during the London round of auditions for the talent show which took place at Wembley earlier this week.

Nick Grimshaw mistakenly called Cheryl by her former married name.

According to fans in attendance Grimshaw referred to the Geordie singer as Cheryl Cole when asking for her opinion after an audition. Cheryl is said to have snapped back, 'It's Cheryl or Chezza!’

Continue reading: Awkward! Cheryl Fernandez-Versini Is Mistakenly Called Cheryl Cole By Fellow 'X-Factor' Judge Nick Grimshaw

If The X Factor knows how to do one thing, it’s how to make headlines and those headlines are rarely about its contestants. When Simon Cowell revealed 2015’s judging line-up, which included himself, stalwart Cheryl, singer Rita Ora and radio DJ Nick Grimshaw, the panel found itself in the limelight and for all the wrong reasons.

Nick Grimshaw is being touted as Simon's new David Walliams on The X Factor

However, the Radio Times has reported that Cowell’s ambitious judging decision has paid off, particularly with his ‘new David Walliams’ - Nick Grimshaw.

Continue reading: Is Nick Grimshaw The X Factor's Version Of David Walliams?

Simon Cowell’s mother Julie Brett has died at the age of 89, the Cowell family has confirmed. Ms Brett passed away on Sunday after suffering a stroke following a long illness, The Sun newspaper reports. In the wake of his mother's passing the 'X-Factor' judge has cancelled the first round of auditions for the talent show, which were due to take place today (July 6th).

Simon Cowell’s mother Julie has passed away aged 89.

“Today our beloved mum Julie passed away,” a statement from the Cowell family read. “Anyone who had met her would know what a truly special and kind lady she was. We are heartbroken and will miss her terribly, but she is now at peace.”

Continue reading: 'X-Factor' Auditions Cancelled As Simon Cowell Mourns The Loss Of Mother Julie Brett

New judge on ‘The X Factor’ Rita Ora has revealed that she couldn’t say no to Simon Cowell’s offer once she had heard about the organisers’ new plans for the reality TV show, and that it was this that was the primary factor in her decision to leave ‘The Voice’.

The 24 year old hitmaker spoke to Lorraine Kelly on the British morning chat show ‘Lorraine’ about her high-profile network switch from the BBC to ITV, saying that she just wanted “to be a part of it” when she heard about the new ideas.

Rita Ora performing at Wireless Festival 2015

Continue reading: Rita Ora Opens Up About Why She Decided To Join 'The X Factor'

‘Britain’s Got Talent’ judge David Walliams is reportedly putting his experiences on the ITV series to good use and writing a sitcom based around a talent show. Walliams, who has been a judge on the series since 2012, is said to have already got his fellow ‘BGT’ judges excited about the project and they’ve even asked for starring roles.

David Walliams is writing a sitcom based on ‘BGT’.

Speaking to The Sun, Alesha Dixon said that when Walliams’ revealed the project she and fellow judge Amanda Holden immediately demanded parts. "There has been a conversation," Dixon said. "Amanda and me are very keen to be involved. I think Simon [Cowell] would be up for it too. We'll bully our way in! I told David that whatever he does, just make sure sure I'm a cool character.”

Continue reading: David Walliams Is Penning A Sitcom Based On 'Britain's Got Talent'. But Which Judges Will Appear?

The appointment of Rita Ora and Nick Grimshaw to this year’s X Factor has definitely divided opinion but what cannot be denied is that their addition has created a lot of publicity for the talent show.

Rita Ora as a new X Factor judge has not been warmly received by everyone

Good and bad, there have been a lot of thoughts and viewpoints over popstar Ora and radio DJ Grimshaw taking the two spare judges chairs but it seems that when it comes to really negative criticism, Rita Ora simply can’t ignore it.

Continue reading: Rita Ora Shows Her Distaste For X Factor Appointment Criticism With Three Small Words

After weeks of speculation, it seems that Rita Ora has finally jumped ship from the BBC to ITV, according to insiders, and will be taking up a place on the judging panel of ‘The X Factor’, abandoning ‘The Voice’ in the process after just one year.

The Mirror reports that the 24 year old pop star has accepted the fourth and final judges’ spot, a week after it was suggested that she had been offered £1.5 million to replace the departing Mel B for the 2015 edition.

Rita Ora has reportedly accepted ITV's offer to become a judge on 'The X Factor'

Continue reading: Rita Ora Moves From 'The Voice' To 'The X Factor'

Bad news, Directioners – in what looked like it might have been the promotional stunt of the year, it appears that Zayn Malik is NOT on the verge of returning to One Direction.

Over the last week or so, rumours had been escalating that that 22 year old Malik, who quit the group citing exhaustion during their tour of the Far East back in March, was set to make a sensational U-turn and rejoin the boyband.

1D will be remaining as a foursome, despite some rumours that Zayn Malik would be returning

Continue reading: Zayn Malik NOT Returning To One Direction Despite Conspiracy Theories Doing The Rounds

Ofcom has received over 1,150 complaints about the use of a "stunt dog" on ITV's Britain's Got Talent. The broadcasting regulator was inundated with reservations about the use of a stunt double that helped Jules O'Dwyer and 'Matisse' the pooch win the grand final.

Simon Cowell has called the controversy a "cock up"

The pair clinched the £250,000 prize and a place at the Royal Variety Performance when O'Dwyer used a second dog called Chase to perform a high rope walk, winning 4.5 million votes.

Continue reading: 'Britain's Got Talent' In The Doghouse Over 'Matisse' Stunt

With rumours rife that Rita Ora is about to jump ship from ‘The Voice’ to ‘The X-Factor’, the singer has been given a shining endorsement from one half of the show’s new hosting duo, Olly Murs. Murs will be hosting the talent show’s new season alongside presenter Caroline Flack, but before it gets underway there’s the little matter of who will be joining the judging panel to sort out.

Rita Ora is hotly tipped to become the next ‘X-Factor’ judge.

Ora has become the hot contender to replace Mel B on the panel even though she’ll be coming straight from rival talent show BBC One's ‘The Voice’. Speaking to The Mirror during Capital's Summertime Ball, Murs addressed the rumours that Rita was about to sign on for the new series saying, "I'll be honest. I think Rita would be a good one because she's done The Voice.”

Continue reading: Olly Murs Gives Rita Ora His Vote For 'X-Factor' Judge, As Bookmakers Suspend Betting

After months of speculation linking him with the job, it seems that Nick Grimshaw will be taking up the vacant spot on ‘The X Factor’’s judging panel to replace the departing Louis Walsh.

It was Walsh himself who dropped the strongest indication yet that the Radio 1 DJ has signed up for the ITV singing show, saying that he had “got my job” in a statement to the Daily Star Online.

Nick Grimshaw is strongly rumoured to be Louis Walsh's 'X Factor' replacement

Continue reading: Nick Grimshaw All But Confirmed As 'X Factor' Judge Next Season

Presenter Caroline Flack was recently given a big promotion when Simon Cowell asked the small starlet to step away from fronting the Xtra Factor and take to the main stage for The X Factor.

Caroline Flack will be in demand on both the BBC and ITV later this year 

However, after her stunning win in Strictly Come Dancing’s last season, the perfect ten scorer will have to appear on Cowell’s biggest Saturday night rival for the obligatory final dance during the first episode of the new Strictly series.

Continue reading: Caroline Flack To Appear On Both The X Factor And Strictly This Autumn

‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and ‘X-Factor’ judge Simon Cowell has revealed he love to bring a bit of his talent show smarts to spice up the next round of party leaders' election debates. The music mogul said that if given the chance to produce the tv debates, British viewers (and the party leaders) would be in for fire, trap doors and even a clapometer.

Cowell is currently judging ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ and preparing for new series of ‘X-Factor’.

“I would love to do that. I’d do it in a heartbeat. 100% I’d have walk-ons, music, fire … and a trap door if people didn’t like what they said,” Cowell told the Radio Times. “And I’d definitely have a clapometer. I am deadly serious. Can we start a petition? I really would love a chance to do that.”

Continue reading: 'Fire And Trap Doors': Simon Cowell Has Some Interesting Ideas For The Next Leaders' Debate

Simon Cowell is set to produce a movie biopic of the late Beatles manager Brian Epstein, which will be entitled The Fifth Beatle. It’s an adaptation of a graphic novel of the same name published in 2013 by Vivek J. Tiwary, and tells the story of how Epstein took the legendary group from local stardom to international success under his stewardship.

According to a report in Variety, Tiwary himself has written the screenplay and is also signed on to be a producer alongside the ‘X Factor’ judge. The project has also secured the rights to use the group’s music in the film, with a director set to unveiled in the near future.

Simon Cowell is set to co-produce a film about Brian Epstein, The Beatles' manager

Continue reading: Simon Cowell To Co Produce Biopic About Brian Epstein

After weeks of speculation, Louis Walsh has confirmed that he will not be returning to ‘The X Factor’ later this year. The former Westlife manager and long-term judge on the popular ITV talent show will effectively be quitting after 11 years on the panel.

The 62 year old spoke to the Press Association on Wednesday and said: “The truth is I've done it for 11 years, I never thought I would even be on TV for four or five. To get ten was great, to get 11 was amazing, I'm not hanging around for them this year.”

Louis Walsh will not return to 'The X Factor'

Continue reading: Louis Walsh Confirms He Won't Return To 'The X Factor'

Simon Cowell has appeared to confirm that Louis Walsh will leave The X-Factor after 11 years on the judging panel. Reports over the weekend suggested Cowell was planning to replace the Irish music manager with fresh talent for the forthcoming series of the singing contest.

Simon Cowell appears to have confirmed that Louis Walsh will leave the X-Factor

"Louis is one of the good guys. We will always be friends. The door remains open and who knows what's next." Cowell tweeted.

Continue reading: Simon Cowell All But Confirms Louis Walsh's X-Factor Exit

Simon Cowell says he's always hoped to find a cat that can play the guitar during his annual TV search for a star, but now he has come across something even stranger - a dog that can apparently hypnotise people.

Simon Cowell may have just found his ultimate Britain's Got Talent star

MailOnline reports that in yesterday's edition of 'Britain's Got Talent' (Saturday 24 April), the 55-year-old music mogul seemingly fell under the spell of Krystyna Lennon's beloved pet Princess, a German spitz.

Continue reading: Was Simon Cowell Hypnotised By A Dog On 'Britain's Got Talent'?

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini will return to The X Factor and has received a hefty pay rise. According to reports, the former Girls Aloud star has negotiated a £500K pay bump. The 31-year-old singer is the first celebrity to be signed as a judge by the show's creator, Simon Cowell, for the upcoming 12th series.

Cheryl Fernandez-Versini has signed on to return to The X Factor as a judge. 

Read More: Is Louis Walsh Done With The X Factor After 11 Years?

Continue reading: Cheryl Fernandez-Versini Returning To 'The X Factor' With £500K Pay Rise

Louis Walsh’s time as an ‘X-Factor’ judge could be up, as the music manager has said he’s “done with the show”, after 11 seasons. The 62 year old made the comments during an appearance on the Seven O’Clock Show on Thursday, when he was asked about his future as a judge on the ITV talent show.

Louis Walsh has served as a judge on the ‘X-Factor’ for 11 years.

“I’m done with X Factor, honestly,” he told the hosts. "I’ve done 11 seasons - I don't think I'll be going back. That’s a long time in television. I think they’re going to change the show and get new faces.”

Continue reading: Is Louis Walsh Done With 'The X-Factor' After 11 Years?

Despite middling ratings and fading popular, Simon Cowell has tipped the BBC's singing show The Voice to hang around for a good while yet. The show is yet to produce any notable stars whereas Cowell's rival show The X-Factor has kick-started the careers of Leona Lewis, One Direction and Olly Murs.

Simon Cowell still reckons The Voice will continue, despite failing to create any true stars

Still, the music mogul insists the beeb's show - which has Sir Tom Jones and Rita Ora among its judging panel - will survive.

Continue reading: Simon Cowell Says The Voice Will Last "Quite A Long Time"

Zayn Malik’s plans of leading the life of a normal 22 year old might have hit bit of a roadblock, as it appears the former One Directioner is about to embark on a solo career. Zayn sent One Direction fans into a meltdown on Wednesday when he announced his departure from the boyband, after previously being signed off the group’s current tour due to stress.

In announcing his departure from the band Malik said in a statement, "My life with One Direction has been more than I could ever have imagined. But, after five years, I feel like it is now the right time for me to leave the band. I'd like to apologise to the fans if I've let anyone down, but I have to do what feels right in my heart.”

Continue reading: Is Zayn Malik's New Direction A Solo Career On Simon Cowell's SyCo Label?

Simon Cowell has praised Dermot O'Leary after the presenter announced he would no longer be hosting The X-Factor. 41-year-old Leary announced he would be leaving the show on Friday (27th March). The presenter, who has hosted the show for eight years since taking over from Kate Thornton in 2007, informed fans of his decision on Twitter.

Simon Cowell has praised Dermot O'Leary after the presenter announced he is leaving The X Factor.

Read More: Ricky Martin To Look For The New Ricky Martin On Simon Cowell's New Project La Banda.

Continue reading: Simon Cowell Praises Dermot O'Leary After Presenter Announces He's Leaving 'The X-Factor'

After coming out, then going off the radar for some time, we finally have news of Ricky Martin again – the Puerto Rico-born singer is joining the line-up of Simon Cowell’s latest talent show project, La Banda.

Cowell's new project is close to Martin's heart.

At this point you might be wondering, wtf is La Banda? The point of the upcoming competition show is to to assemble a new Latino boy band, consisting of males over 14 years of age, a sort of Latino One Direction, if you will.

Continue reading: Ricky Martin To Look For The New Ricky Martin On Simon Cowell's New Project "La Banda"

It’s that time of year again! ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ is all set to return to our screens to see us through the dark and dismal winter months, and viewers can expect more of what they’re used to, as the show’s line-up is unchanged.

ITV confirmed on Friday that the panel of judges will remain the same, after Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and David Walliams have all signed up for another year. On the presenting front, stalwart pair Ant & Dec will return as hosts once more.

Simon Cowell will return in 'Britain's Got Talent'

Continue reading: 'Britain's Got Talent' Panel Announced

Regardless of what you think of John Lydon, you could never accuse him of failing to speak his mind. On the receiving end of his unique brand of scorn this time have been Simon Cowell and Band Aid.

The former Sex Pistols frontman was addressing an audience of around 300 at Oxford University’s Sheldonian Theatre on Monday evening, ahead of the release of his autobiography ‘Anger is an Energy’. Firstly, he took aim at talent contests like ‘The X Factor’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’.

John Lydon? Outspoken? Never! This time, he took aim at Simon Cowell and Band Aid

Continue reading: John Lydon Criticises Simon Cowell And Band Aid

The release of Mark Ronson's new single Uptown Funk has been moved forward by five weeks after X-Factor contestant Fleur East performed a stunning rendition of the song on last week's show. The live recording shot to the top of the iTunes chart on Monday, prompting Ronson to rush-release his version.

After her Uptown Funk performance, Fleur East is now the overwhelming favourite to win the X-Factor

Some bookmakers subsequently stopped taking bets on the track to become Christmas number one. 

Continue reading: Mark Ronson Rush Releases 'Uptown Funk' After Fleur East Performance

Simon Cowell is undoubtedly a huge success and has transformed the music industry forever, but despite having a near-flawless career in several television and music projects, the brutally honest Englishman's biggest failure could be seen as the cancelation of the US version of The X Factor.

Cowell reckons the US version of The X Factor is not yet finished

However, Cowell remains optimistic about the reality singing show's future in the States, and in an interview with the FT Weekend on Friday (Oct 10th), he claimed the US X Factor "will come back again."

Continue reading: Simon Cowell Claims US X Factor "Will Come Back Again" Despite Cancelation

As Britain’s premier pop music mogul, Simon Cowell isn’t one to mince his words. Ahead of the first live shows of the current eleventh series of ‘The X Factor’, he is reported to have launched a dismissive broadside against this year’s crop of hopefuls, claiming that none of them stand a chance of emulating the success of One Direction.

Simon Cowell reckons that none of this year's 'X Factor' contestants can match 1D

Louis Walsh, a fellow judge on the ITV show, told The Sun newspaper: “the most successful group in the show's history is One Direction, and Simon said that what they did 'will never be repeated. I don't think anyone this year is capable of that, but I don't think anyone will do it again.’”

Continue reading: Simon Cowell Reckons One Direction's Success Won't Be Repeated

It is a battle that could have perhaps been avoided had either the BBC or ITV backed down and rescheduled, but Strictly Come Dancing and The X-Factor went head-to-head for the first time this year on Sunday, with the dancing reality show winning out. ITV will have hoped the return of Cheryl Cole and Simon Cowell would have been enough to pip its rival - airing its first season without Bruce Forsyth - though it wasn't to be.

The return of Simon Cowell was not enough for The X-Factor to beat Strictly

Strictly returned with 8.4 million viewers on Sunday - a 33.7% share of the audience between 8pm and 9.15pm. The X-Factor had to settle for second place, with 7.6 million viewers and a 27.9% share between 8pm and 9.05pm.

Continue reading: Despite Cowell's Return, 'Strictly' Topples X-Factor In Sunday Ratings

Leona Lewis has posted a handwritten, open letter to her fans on Twitter, discussing her feelings of depression and the reasons behind her departure from Simon Cowell’s record label. Earlier this year it was announced that Lewis had left the Syco label, which she had been with since wining the 'X-Factor' in 2007, and signed a new deal with Universal records.

Leona Lewis split with Cowell's record label earlier this year

Lewis begins the letter by writing, "It has been quite the rollercoaster year. The emotions I have felt have been more powerful, in both a positive and negative way, than any other time... in my life.”

Continue reading: Leona Lewis Writes Open Letter To Fans Discussing Reasons Behind Her Exit From Simon Cowell’s Syco Label

Simone Battle’s G.RL. bandmates have paid tribute to the singer, writing that they will "carry her memory with us in everything we do,” on the band’s official Twitter page. The 25 year old’s death was confirmed yesterday (6 September) with a joint statement from the group's record label and management team.

A post on the girlband’s official Twitter account reads, "Words cannot express the depth of our loss, Simone’s incredible talent was only surpassed by the size of her heart.” Adding that they will, ” carry her memory with us in everything we do.”

Continue reading: GRL Members And Simon Cowell Lead Tributes To Singer Simone Battle

Even though Simon Cowell only became a father six months ago, the music mogul has enjoyed parenthood so much he recently admitted to wanting to have more children with girlfriend Lauren Silverman in the near future.

Cowell and Silverman welcomed their first child together on Valentine's Day

This past Valentine's Day Cowell and Silverman welcomed their first child together in a New York City hospital, which was announced by the 'X-Factor' creator to his 10.3 million Twitter followers as he posted, "Very happy to say Eric was born at 17.45pm. Healthy and handsome."

Continue reading: Simon Cowell Reveals He Wants More Children With Girlfriend Lauren Silverman

The latest series of the X Factor looks set to be the most epic one yet - if the first promo is anything to go by. While every year The X Factor judges battle it out on our television screens, Simon Cowell and co have gone one step further this year, by starring in a Game Of Thrones-inspired commercial.

The minute-long promo shows Cowell and the other judges lead individual armies of hopefuls into battle for the X Factor throne, ahead of the much-anticipated new series this Autumn.

X Factor judge Simon Cowell arrives at the London auditions of flagship ITV talent show

Continue reading: X Factor Judges Star In £1million 'Game Of Thrones Promo'

Cheryl Cole is allegedly refusing to sit next to Irish entertainment manager Louis Walsh on The X Factor judging panel this year. Tensions have been mounting since Simon Cowell revealed in an interview that Cole didn’t want Walsh to return to the show, full stop.

Cheryl Cole has refused to sit next to Louis Walsh on the X Factor judging panel

Cowell told OK! magazine: “I want Louis to come back to ‘The X Factor’ - but Cheryl doesn’t.” The Geordie singer and Walsh have failed to see eye-to-eye on various occasions, particularly after she publicly revealed that he was a poor manager to her band Girls Aloud.

Continue reading: Cheryl Cole Refuses To Sit Next To Louis Walsh On 'The X Factor' Judging Panel

Simon Cowell has revealed that he would be happy for his four-month-old son to one day enter the entertainment industry. The Britain’s Got Talent judge has given his blessing should baby Eric one day decide to pursue a career in singing, although admitted he would tell him if the ambition wasn't achievable: “If Eric wants to try out being a singer, I would be okay with that. I certainly won’t stop him. But I’ll tell him straight if he can’t do it.” Showing signs that becoming a father really has softened Simon, he did add: “Admittedly, I might not be quite as blunt as I am with some of the contestants.”

Simon Cowell with Lauren Silverman, the mother of his four-month-old son Eric

Cowell has just finished filming a season of talent content Britain’s Got Talent and is about to start focusing on the next series of The X Factor. Auditions begin on Monday in Manchester, UK, and Simon will be assisted on the judging panel by Louis Walsh, Mel B and Cheryl Cole.

Continue reading: Simon Cowell Would Be Happy For Baby Eric To Become A Pop Star

Ella Henderson, the British singer who somehow didn't win the 2012 series of X-Factor, is on course to debut at No.1 on the Official Singles Chart this Sunday with her first record 'Ghost'. Henderson teamed up with OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder to co-write the track which had shifted 78,000 copies as of midnight on Tuesday (June 10, 2014).

Ella Henderson is set to be No.1 with 'Ghosts'

Ghost - set to become one of the fastest selling singles of the year so far - is taken from Henderson's upcoming album Chapter One, which will be released later this year through Simon Cowell's record label, Syco.

Continue reading: Ella Henderson, Remember Her? Well, She's No.1 On The Singles Chart

Mel B has been announced as the new judge who will be joining The X Factor panel for the upcoming 11th series of the talent show. The former Spice Girl, 39, appeared on the show in 2012 as a guest judge and has also been featured on the American and Australian versions of ITV's hit singing contest.

Mel B, AKA Melanie Brown, will be joining returning judges Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Cheryl Cole with the hope that a victor will be chosen from her group of singers. She said she was "so excited" to have been appointed as a judge, in a deal that is reportedly worth £1 million, according to BBC News.

"I've always thought honesty is the best policy when being a judge and that's what I'm going to bring more of this year," Mel said. "Whether it's spotting an incredible singer, giving someone a reality check or debating with Simon over who's got it wrong.Now I can't wait to get started and find some amazing talent."

Continue reading: Mel B To Join 'X Factor' Judges In £1 Million Deal - Confirmed

The eighth season of Britain's Got Talent has wrapped up and the winner announced on Saturday (7th June). Boy band Collabro was crowned the winner. Opera singer Lucy Kay came second and Bars & Melody were the runners up.

Alesha Dixon judges Britain's Got Talent.

Collabro is a boy band with a particular interest in musical theatre and consists of 20-year-olds Richard Hadfield and Matt Pagan, 24-year-olds Michael Auger and Thomas Redgrave and Jamie Lambert, aged 23. 

Continue reading: Collabro Have Won 'Britain's Got Talent' 2014

Being caught with a joint is really nothing new in the world of pop, especially amongst those aggressively seeking a change of image that will subsequently add a semblance of ‘edge’ to their persona. For child stars especially, in attempts to free themselves from their enforced clean-cut youth and iconic childhood roles, to indulge in the smoking of marijuana is the go-to method of both distancing oneself from the past and declaring oneself as a fully independent adult.

The group have come under fire from the tabloids for Zayn and Louis' actions.

The celebrity world abounds with examples of such exploits. Remember the media storm over Justin Bieber’s incident with a “suspicious cigarette” or Miley Cyrus’ bong exploits, which have now evolved into her free and consistent utilization of marijuana symbolism? The celebrity media loves a scandal more than a Republican loves his right to bear firearms, but whilst the current One Direction drug ‘scandal’ has rather predictably been plastered all over the tabloid’s front pages, the majority of the public greets it with a collective shrug of the shoulders. They are, after all, adolescents- the prime age for indulging in experimentation with illicit substances and activities. Most adults will have indulged in similar instances of experimentation with an array substances at a similar age to these patchy-bearded pop stars. In terms of the pop world, this particular act has been seen many times before; so many times, in fact, that the whole ‘rebellion’ phase is part and parcel of the child actor discourse. Some take it just a little too far, and the ensuing descent into drugs has unfortunately claimed the lives of many of Hollywood’s exploited youngsters.

Continue reading: One Direction's Drug Scandal: Is Smoking Marijuana Considered Shocking Anymore?

Cheryl Cole looked characteristically stunning at the Cannes Film Festival premiere of Foxhunter. Dressed in a Monique Lhuillier gown, the 30 year old singer is easily one of the most beautiful women to attend the festival. Although attending the premiere of a film which could potentially sweep up at next year’s Oscars, donning a dress and walking the red carpet wasn’t Cheryl’s only reason for attending the festival.

Cheryl walked the Cannes red carpet for Monday's premiere of Foxhunter

The ‘Promise This’ singer, who is set to return to the UK version of The X Factor, following a controversial fall out with fellow judge, Simon Cowell, is allegedly attempting to embark on an acting career.

Continue reading: Cheryl Cole Looking To "Challenge" Herself With Independent Film Role

Simon Cowell should just stay away from The West End. The Spice Girls musical, ‘Viva Forever!’ managed 7 months on stage,  and now ‘I Can’t Sing’ – written by Harry Hill and backed by Cowell – is being removed after just 2 months, or 6 weeks and 2 days, if you want to be precise.

Harry Hill taking a spin

Announcing the closure, Nigel Hall of Cowell's production company Syco Entertainment, said: "Alongside Stage Entertainment we'd like to thank the cast and crew who have worked so hard on this show. To everyone at Really Useful Theatres and the ever supportive staff at the London Palladium, and everyone involved in I Can't Sing! I'd like to say a huge thanks and the very best of luck with their next venture."

Continue reading: Harry Hill And Simon Cowell's 'I Can't Sing!' Flops, Pulled After 2 Months

So, Britain’s Got Talent fans, there is a brand new Marmite contestant. By that we mean, people are either going to absolutely love her or hate her. We’re most definitely on the love side of things, we’ve gone mad for nutty violinist Lettice Rowbotham. BGT fans who like their contestants a little more rough and ready will hopefully eat their words once Lettice whips out her violin.

The Britain's Got Talent judges were wowed by Lettice's performance

Labeled “the poshest contestant” the show has ever had by judge David Walliams, as well as possibly “the poshest to come to Birmingham”, where the show was filmed, Lettice rocked out with her violin on last Saturday’s (April 19th) episode of BGT. Announcing that she was “too hungover” to be nervous about the audition, Lettice bounded on stage with a personality as energetic as her performance.

Continue reading: 'Poshest' Ever 'Britain's Got Talent' Contestant: Who Is Lettice Rowbotham?

Britain's Got Talent has set the Guinness World Record for being the most popular reality television format in the world, having been adopted by 59 different shows worldwide. The announcement was made today (7th April) on the Guinness World Record website.

Simon Cowell created the format for Britain's Got Talent.

Britain's Got Talent was first broadcast on ITV in 2007 and an eighth series is expected to air this year. The format, which was created by Simon Cowell, has been used in versions worldwide. Cowell serves as a judge on the UK version of the show and an executive producer on the US version. 

Continue reading: 'Britain's Got Talent' Breaks Guinness World Record For 'Most Successful Reality Format'

A hunchback villain character named Trevor Modo in Harry Hill's new X-Factor musical I Can't Sing! is apparently based on former champion James Arthur. In the show, Trevor auditions for the hit show to save himself from a life of poverty, but is sent packing by Nigel Harmon's Simon Cowell character.

James Arthur Has Reacted Angrily to the Claims

Seeking revenge, Trevor breaks into an impressive rap number about the injustice of the music industry. 

Continue reading: 'I Can't Sing!' Villain Trevor Modo Based On James Arthur?

Simon Cowell's new role as a father is what he was born to be.

The music mogul sat down with Extra for his first interview since baby Eric was born on Valentine's Day (Feb 14th) at a New York hospital.

Even though his first son is only a month old, Cowell has already thought about the possibility of having more children.

Continue reading: Simon Cowell Disccuses More Children In The Future In First Interview Since Baby Eric's Birth

Simon Cowell is a very proud father! The record mogul has shared the first photograph of his baby son Eric, via his twitter account. 

Mum, Dad and Eric. Now two days old. rel="nofollow" pic.twitter.com/ChWlrXmtmO

— Simon Cowell (@SimonCowell) rel="nofollow" February 16, 2014

Continue reading: Simon Cowell Shares First Photographs Of Baby Son Eric

Michael Jordan is looking forward to becoming a dad for what will be the fourth time, with his much-younger wife Yvette Prieto, it was reported earlier this week. First reported by www.terezowens.com, the pregnancy comes some months after the pair tied the knot in April this year, after five years of dating,and whilst Jordan might be in his 50's now, this could very well be the founding of another family for the NBA legend.

Michael and Yvette might not be finished in the baby-making-department yet

Jordan isn't alone becoming a father well into middle age, as the celebrity world is full of older fathers. Some, like Jordan, have gone on to start new families in their advanced years following a divorce or loss of partner (or maybe even a scandal of some sort), whilst others like to leave it late before finally settling down and having offspring. Here, we look at five older gentlemen who waited until after their 50th birthday before having children.

Continue reading: Michael Jordan Is A Dad Again! 5 Other Stars Who Kept On Having Kids Into Their 50's

Pop star Cheryl Cole has won a considerable pay-out from the producers of The X-Factor USA, who sacked her after filming just one episode in 2011.At the time, Simon Cowell refused to confirm the reasons behind Cole's departure, though speculation suggested she was removed over fears the American audience would not understand her Newcastle accent.

Cheryl Cole At The Cannes Film Festival

She sued producers Blue Orbit for $2.3 million for loss of earnings though the company settled out-of-court with an undisclosed sum. During the lawsuit, it also transpired that Cole had already signed on for a second season on a salary of $2 million.

Continue reading: Cheryl Cole Wins Big Payout After X-Factor Nightmare

One-time The X Factor judge Cheryl Cole has been handed a hefty sum by producers of the show as compensation for her speedy dismissal from the series early in its first season. The Girls Aloud singer was fired from the show after producers began to worry that American audiences wouldn't be able to understand her thick Newcastle accent and her contract was quickly terminated, without warning.

The X Factor has since hired another ineligible star to step into Cheryl's place, Paulina Rubio

As reported by the BBC, Cole appeared in only one episode of the show before being replaced by Nicole Scherzinger, who was initially signed on to serve as the show's host. Earlier this year, Cole sued the producers of the American Idol spin-off, Blue Orbit, for $2.3 million, citing loss of earnings resulting from her sudden dismissal from the series so early on. Cheryl had signed a two season contract before the show began, promising her a salary of $1.8 million for Season 1 and $2 million for Season 2. In her lawsuit, Cheryl also ask to be reimbursed for any expenses she may have had during her stay in Los Angeles, including her wardrobe and stylist for the show and living expenses, including food and accommodation, as well as interest, legal fees and "further relief as the court may deem just and appropriate."

Continue reading: Cheryl Cole Wins Multi-Million Dollar Pay-Out For 'The X Factor' Axe

James Corden stars as TV talent contest winner Paul Potts in One Chance, the sensational movie that has made waves in the UK and is now headed towards the US to spread the inspirational true story of one mind transformation from shop worker to opera singer.

James Corden Is Paul Potts In This Uplifting Success Story.

Directed by The Devil Wears Prada's James Frankel, the movie follows an aspiring singer who is held back by his low self-confidence and tedious shop job. It is only when he meets his wife, Julie-Ann Cooper (Alexandra Roach), that he receives the support he needs to enrol in a Venecian opera school.

Continue reading: 'One Chance': Don't Miss This Feel-Good True Story Of Paul Potts' Journey To Fame [Trailer]

James Arthur has suggested that being forced to work with multiple producers on his self-titled debut album affected the degree of creativity he had on the record. The 25-year-old, who won the ninth series of The X-Factor and scored the second biggest hit in the show's history with 'Impossible' - revealed at a signing at HMV Oxford Street that he couldn't "build up a rapport" with collaborators.

James Arthur, Drinking A Tea

"I worked with several producers in America and several here, and for my next record I certainly won't be doing that," he told Digital Spy. "It's not conducive to being creative; it takes a couple of days to build up a rapport with a producer and then after that you're on to the next one.

Continue reading: James Arthur Risks Wrath Of Simon Cowell, Says Creativity Was F*cked

X Factor judge Louis Walsh was all but set to exit the ITV talent contest when he announced this summer that the current series would be his last, saying "I need my life back" after his ten year stint on the reality show.

Louis Walsh Reconsiders His 'X Factor' Exit.

However, the 61 year-old Irish entertainment manager has now sheepishly revealed in an interview with TV host Jonathan Ross that he hasn't had his X Factor fill just yet. Walsh was asked about his comments this summer and whether he really was leaving the show. "Well, I said I was. But I'm having so much fun this year, I might stay," he said.

Continue reading: Louis Walsh Considering 'X Factor' Future U-Turn: "I'm Having So Much Fun"

Miley Cyrus' apparent feud with Sinead O'connor seems to have blown over already, with the Irish singer declaring that her beef with the 'We Can't Stop' hit-maker has blown over already. O'Connor appeared on Friday night's (4 October) edition of RTE's The Late Late Show, where she discussed the short-lived feud with Cyrus, admitting that she never had any personal problems with the star, as the whole thing was to do with the current state of the music industry.

Sinead also used her appearance on air to show off her new facial tattoos

Rather than continue her conflict with Cyrus, the appearance on the Irish chat show was as much a stage to declare war on Simon Cowell as it was to initiate peace with Miley. Whilst admitting to be no role model herself, the 'Nothin Compares 2 U' singer did reveal why she told Cyrus to stop "prostituting" herself. She declared that the "money making end of music is taking over," admitting that when she was an emerging artist she was asked to grow out her hair and wear revealing outfits, which prompted her to shave off her own hair.

Continue reading: Sinead O'Connor Says Feud With Miley Cyrus Is Over And Done With